Although the cities of Warsaw, and Krakow are the main attractions in the country, offering a profusion of museums, ancient churches, and architecture that is truly to die for, one of the most surprising and poignant places to visit, and a place that has attracted millions over the years is the small village of Oswiecim. Better known by its Germanised form Auschwitz, the site of some of the Nazi regimes worst excess still horrifies after nearly 60 years. The abandoned camp has been left much as it was when liberated. The haunted air of the camp makes it an almost unbearable place to visit, but those who do will often find it uplifting.
In the extreme south of the country along the Slovak border, you can find the Tatra Mountains. The most northerly part of the Carpathians, the area provides opportunities for hikers and climbers in the summer, when the rugged Alpine scenery of mountains and small villages is best explored, while in winter, the Skiing in the region is extremely good value.
